Recently my shoulder hurts due to frequently arm movement switching between keyboard and mouse. Then I start using trackpoint.
The problem is, while everyone saying the trackpoint is more accurate than touchpad, I find it very hard to accurately move the cursor using trackpoint. Large movements are ok, but when it comes to fine movements, such as click a close button or check a checkbox, it takes longer time.
Should I just practice more, or are there any good tips or tutorials around?
I would just recommend practice.If you are having difficulty pinpointing the mouse on small areas, I would suggest turning down the sensitivity.
I found that using a concave rubber cap on the trackpoint helped a bit for accuracy.
There are two types: the standard flat or slightly convex caps, and concave caps which are available as original accessory. For me, concave caps provide a reduction of "free travel" because the cap is more shape-adapted to the fingertip. So after starting to move the finger, the delay before the mouse pointer starts to move will be shorter than with convex caps.
This is just my personal experience, but I would avoid using the trackpoint. I used the trackpoint equivalent on my HP laptop a lot when I first got it. I was hooked on Free Cell and spent a lot of time moving cards around. After some days or weeks, my right index finger started hurting a bit and feeling numb, so I started using my middle finger instead. Soon it had the same symptoms. I couldn't grip anything with my right hand. I stopped using the trackpoint and the all the symptoms gradually disappeared. I think I was lucky.
I just got myself a new Thinkpad. I'm doing my best to master the trackpoint. I do see the potential in it. My hands never have to move far away from the F and J home keys.
But there is a huge learning curve to it. I've followed the advice of turning down the sensitivity all the way to the bottom as well going into the UltraNav menu and setting it to Firm Touch. I'm seeing improvement now. But as I said the learning curve is damm steep.
I long to see the day when I can be as fast with the trackpoint as the mouse
Trackpoint is great but it takes a while to get used to it. My trick was to start using it with my left hand (I am right handed).
As you say, the root of your problem is not the trackpoint but to avoid frequent arm movements when switching between keyboard and mouse. For that, you may want to use the ThinkPad's touchpad with your thumb.
In contrast to using it with your index finger, there is no need to reposition your hand for switching between keyboard and pointing device. It took me 2 weeks to get used to it though. If you also want to avoid repositioning the hand for scrolling ("mouse wheel" use), there are at least two options:
Before trying the "thumb on touchpad" option, I also permanently used the trackpoint. I had it on high sensitivity, but even then it would not do big movements fast enough for my taste, leading to using "excessive force" and then to pain in my index finger's base joint after some weeks. That's when I switched to the touchpad for regular use.
